LOVE
God is always love
Forever seek the kingdom;
Praise the creator
Keep giving what you can give
Please endure until the end
ANGELS
Beautiful Heavens
Protecting the meek ones earth
Watching over us
Helping us to cope with life
Comforted with hope and trust
MUSIC
When you find rhythm
You find your hearts inner core
Celebrate the times
Make them better than before
Reminisce and dance all night

I prayed today for the elderly
They long to hear for you to say
Words of love and words of praise
With acts of kindness they once gave.
And if you’re going by their way
They’d like for you to stop and pay
A visit where you both can play
Disregard what you may.
Before their heads they shall lay
At night before the sun and it’s ray
When they bow their heads as they pray
Praying you and everyone will be okay.
Brenda Elizabeth Rose

Lord., I've Been Hurting!
This one thing I am
most certain…
Lately I’ve been really hurtin’.
I trying to do right, but it
turns out “wrong.”
Where, in life,
do I really belong?
So many people
pass me by.
Sometimes, someone
may say; “hi!”
I don’t know if this message is
getting across?
I feel so confused and
completely lost.
A message of “help” has my
prayer and plea…
For God to reach out to me!
He reached down and
made me whole!
HIS love and compassion
filled my soul!
Spending time with Jesus
is time well spent!
It was for you and me that
Jesus was sent!
By Jim Pemberton

I visited a garage sale. And had a
surprised look on my face.
I noticed that some things
were "out of place."
To my right... Was a shelf filled with books..
And Christian ones too.
To my left... Was a sign that read;
"I have adult movies for you."
I wondered and thought with
some kind of amazement.
"Does this person read these books.
And watch this "entertainment?"
This is common in many Christian homes...
Often... People cross God's
"boundaries" and "safety zones."
Anyone can go to church.
Pray, sing and "shed a tear."
Not realizing that sin's temptation
is drawing ever so near.
Do you seek God's holiness and the
power of Jesus' name?
But each night... Before bedtime...
Things aren't quite the same...
Have you opened up your heart
and mind... And live life unfulfilled?
Is this the way you ought to live?
Is this what God has willed?
He desires to live inside of you.
And help you to discover.
With any stronghold in life. He'll help you to recover!
Are things in life "out of place?"
And need to be put back together?
Allow God's word to guide you!
His promises are forever!
Everything will be where it should be...
With Jesus In control!
Only he can defeat the enemy that
seeks to destroy your soul!
By Jim Pemberton

You came into my life twenty four years ago
Capturing my heart, Oh how I love you so
Your big brown eyes looking into mine
A precious gift from God, Heaven divine
Family and friends gathered in love
To welcome an angel from above
Your dad and I ecstatic to meet our little girl
A blessing forever to change our world
It is amazing how so much pain endured
Births a love so deep, so precious and pure
A love beyond meaning, none to compare
A love to protect at all cost, if harm should ever dare
After hours of anticipation, I heard a cry
The sweetest sound I know, my blessing had arrived
As they laid you in my arms, my heart skipped a beat
A moment in time, a moment to cherish, so bittersweet
The first night alone, just you and me
I held you for hours, rocking you so gently
That night is visited many times in my mind
For the first time I can remember, my life was defined
My call to be a mother created by God's precious hands
A moment in time to be still, a moment to stand
How you have influenced my life, in so may ways
Giving my life meaning, I was changed on that day
The years have flown by, time refused to stand still
Grown into adulthood, your dreams to fulfill.
Now you stand before, no longer my little girl
But an extraordinary woman, a heart so pure
I will always follow you throughout your life
On my knees in prayer, guiding you from strife
Standing on the sidelines, I promise to always be
Your number one fan, until eternity calls for me
When I am gone I pray you will remember
Just as the snow falls in late December
A blanket of white to cover the ground
Innocent and pure, you was my love profound
May God forever bless and guide my little girl
At the wheel of life may He always be at the stern
May your life be filled with great joy and much love
Someday to experience, as I, His blessing from above
When that day comes, life will bring new meaning
The love between mother and child, exceeds all thinking
Mountains you will move, forever to shield and protect
A love God entrusted in you, a love so perfect
Being my first, I made many mistakes
My love for you, I will never forsake
Not a day goes by, time can erase
When I held you in my arms, my heart you embraced
I thank God, unto me you was born
So much you have taught me, so much I have learned
I love you to the moon and back, you will always be
That perfect love, forever to change me
Written by: Donetta Harless
Friday, July 29, 2016

Respect in uniform
A man with respect
Major Oliver O. Howard
One of the US Armies best
A courageous soldier
With an order to follow
Dis-quell the Indian Wars
So there be peace tomorrow
Born in Maine
His dad died when he was nine
But this little boy
Turned out oh so fine
At nineteen, he graduated
A young man, already well rated
1854 Military pass
This bright young man, 4th in his class
Time advances to the Indian Wars
To do his duties, soldier sworn
To quell the fighting, peace be ours
Chief Joseph and the Indian colors
His task achieved, tho Indian losses
Orders he served, from Washington's bosses
Chief Joseph, from his lands he was moved
To Oklahoma, situation defused
1894 the retirement of he
Major General what he rose to be
Universities and College named in his name
This quite amazing soldier of Military Fame
http://www.thehighlanderspoems.com/native-americans.php
" When i heard about this gentleman, it desired me to write. Unknown to me he has actually
been in the historical background of one of my poems, and an ancestor of one of our poets "

We salute every soldier who’s
served this great nation.
And offer a heart of thanks
and appreciation!
We salute each member
of our armed forces.
And are thankful for their
efforts and resources!
We salute the many who
protect our borders too.
We’d be in trouble…
If not for people like YOU!
We salute every son and
daughter lost in a war.
YOU are what serving this
country is meant for!
We salute the officers who’ve
guided our women and men.
Our prayers are with you!
And our love from within!
We salute our veterans!
Wherever they may be!
Those who served on
land, air and sea!
Offering prayer to the
Lord is our belief…
That he will guide our
Commander-in-Chief!
As we observe Memorial Day this year…
Let’s offer our soldiers
love, hope and cheer!
May God bless them in
all they endeavor
And his peace be with them
today and forever!!
By Jim Pemberton

A Mother’s Love…
How precious is the love
of a mother’s heart!
Even as a child… It’s there from the start.
A mother’s love knows
no boundary or limit.
It’s often shown by how
much the mother gives it!
Whether her children are
young or growing old…
And whatever circumstances
in life may unfold…
Her love is continually
a solid foundation…
That can’t be removed, torn or shaken.
Her love is what is
a “guiding force…”
Even if her children’s lives
stray “off course.”
I’m thankful for the love
my mother’s given…
It’s surely influenced
the way I’ve been livin’!
To all of our mothers across
our great nation…
May we show them our love
and appreciation!
Their love has stood and
endured the test of time…
I’m so glad that one of them is MINE!
By Jim Pemberton

To be called ..
~ Grandma is a Honor ~
I have been blessed with 4 Grandchildren
~ one lays in Heaven " Kaleb " He is God's Angel ~
~ His twin brother he will always watch over , and be in his soul~
For he loved his Brother so much in the womb ,
he chose Heaven which gave life to his twin
~ I feel his spirit when I see the other Grandson ~
Time passed another gift to see
we are " Mickes" and Loved
Our Dad held the title in Baseball
~ that's how we roll ~
those children are Grandmas hero's
The Irish they love big and Family is everything
The brothers will protect the beautiful sister
~ as many lads will be calling ~
Every time my Grandson hits a home run
There will be a Angel watching proudly in the stand
It will be as if the Angel lifted him when he runs
~no one runs faster then my Grandson~
either baseball or Art ~ you shall find your gift given
These children have been blessed~
~ a beauty to hard to describe
If you think not ~~ Take a look at the Mom
That girl can stop Traffic
after raising three and still~
"Inspired by the gift and loss of Grandchildren "
May our precious " Kaleb " softly rest where Angels only Dwell

The Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation perfects baptismal grace
The Sacrament gives the Holy Spirit to root us more deeply in divine filiation
Incorporate us more firmly to Fr. Christ
Strengthen our bond with the Church
Associate us more closely with her mission
Help us bear witness to Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds
Like Baptism imprints a spiritual mark or indeliable character of the Christian soul
For this reason one can receive this sacrament only once in one’s life
A candidate for Confirmation has attained the age of reason must profess faith
Be in the state of grace
Have the intention of receiving the Sacrament
Be prepared to assume the role of disciple
Witness to Fr. Christ, both within the Ecclesial bond
Annointing of the forehead of the baptized with sacred chrism
Written 09172012

I was just trying to remember the past
trying to remember the good people
and the bad people,
that i came across on my way,
i want you to know
that you are among the good people
that left a good trace in my life,
once again i just want to say thank you
for passing through my life,
is so short but is wonderful
i want you here forever.

The Family That God Gave to Me
I think about the family,
that God gave to me...
And think about where
they'll spend eternity!
I think about the good times,
that we've had.
And the trials we've faced...
Both good and bad!
God helped us to overcome
adversity together!
And proved his faithfulness...
Today and forever!
He showed us the Godly path,
that we should follow...
And promised to be with us!
Today and tomorrow!
He's proven how
much he loves us!
And how much that he
cares for us!
Thank you my lord,
for all you do!
Where would we be?
If not for you?
You've proven yourself
over and over again!
Thank you so much,
for being our friend!
By Jim Pemberton

Man's Corruption... God's Redemption!
The Bible speaks of man's sin and corruption.
That's why God has offered us, his redemption!
The heart is desperately wicked above all things.
There's an evil corruption that sin brings!
The Lord searches our heart and tests our ways.
He watches our lives, all of our days!
There's nothing good in ourselves.
Not now, or ever!
Without God's mercy...
We're doomed forever!
But, through Christ, there's a way and a plan!
He made this available to every woman and man!
His gift of salvation is a message of love, made clear!
The coming of Jesus Christ,
draws ever so near!
We can trade our sinful corruption,
for a new way of living!
Won't you come before the Lord,
with a heart of giving?
Giving our life to Jesus,
is the best thing to do!
By his power and grace, you can be
made BRAND NEW!
I'm thankful for his salvation!
Mercy has been applied!
Because of Christ' death on the cross…
I'm now sanctified!
By Jim Pemberton

They said he would grow out of it,
All night I’d listen to his cough,
His nose dripped and wouldn’t turn off,
When it got bad, he would vomit.
The doctors wouldn’t promise
Their treatments would pay off,
After years, they acted a little lost
When he showed almost no progress.
I kept praying for his healing,
Suddenly, good news without question,
Test results showed normal breathing,
The doc said, “Stop the medicine!”
I’m still reeling from the feeling,
That, my friends, is divine intervention.
*This poem is based on true events.

What Does It Mean to Be Blessed?
As a Christian... What’s a good
definition of “success?”
How does one know if their
life has been blessed?
Is it based on the words that
someone has spoken?
Has your life been humbled...
and your heart broken?
Have you measured up to the way
God really wants you to be?
Are you in search of HIS righteousness?
With a desire to be holy?
It's more than just
doing a "church routine."
Or coming to church every week,
and doing the "Sunday thing."
True Godly success is not based
on a church building.
Nor getting involved on things
that are rather "appealing."
It comes from falling in love with
Jesus and making him Lord.
It's only in Christ where your
treasures should be stored.
Allow his holy word and spirit to daily lead.
He alone can bring the blessing
you so really need.
Listen to his word and obey his voice.
Above everything else...
He must be your first choice!
Only then will your life be blessed
the way God intended.
His life for yours has
already been committed.
Enter into his holiness!
His peace and rest.
For what he gives you is
always the best!
By Jim Pemberton 03/27/15

What Is This Church All About?
Is this church meant for people like me?
Is this where God really wants me to be?
They claim to be filled with God’s spirit.
When it comes to HIS truth... Can they give it?
I’m sure there’s many who come and attend
It’s more than “church on Sunday,” that we must spend!
We must reach out to the lost and the oppressed!
After all, Christ gave us his very best!
May we all preach the gospel and God’s holiness!
And strive to seek his awesome righteousness!
Living for Jesus must be a daily walk and experience!
Not simply based on our “ambitious self appearance.”
God isn’t interested in a denomination or a title…
He wants to know… Do we really believe the Bible?
He’s not interested in the money put in the offering plate.
He wants to know; “Are you ready
to enter heaven’s gate?”
May we strive to serve Jesus with a zeal and passion!
And be filled with his holiness and compassion!
May we serve Jesus from a heart of humbled confession!
And making our commitment to him,
our #1 possession!
“Unless the Lord builds the house.”
They labor in vain that build it!
Let’s seek the power of God!
May his presence completely fill it!!
By Jim Pemberton

Land of the free
Home of the slaves
The blood, sweat and tears of my ancestors resonate
Amongst the soil where they were slain
I’m hearing their struggle
I’m feeling their pain
I can’t imagine being forced to part from my family
All for massa’s gain
So I pay homage to those who promoted change
People like every slave who tried to escape
Nat Turner, Ms Carlotta, Harriet Tubman
And the safe houses who were in accord
And peg leg Joe with his song
Follow the drinking gourd.
People like, the disregarded - those thrown overboard
And who was dismissed and defamed
The ones who were stripped of their soul, their pride, their names
The list could go on
The full will never be told
So I pay homage to others who were bold
Like John Brown, The Freedom Riders, Sojourner Truth
Ida B Wells, Phyllis Wheatley, Maya Angelou,
Langston Hughes and Charles Drew
George Washington Carver, Ruby Bridges
Booker T Washington and Mary McCleod Bethune
Charles Houston, Ralph Bunche, Fredrick Douglass
WEB Dubois, Paul Robeson, Ralph Abernathy
Benjamin Banneker, Marcus Garvey and Crispus Attucks
Who’s death by the way
Symbolized the American lie
You cant declare the rights of all men
While the people of African decent rights get denied
But still we rise
Thanks to Dr Martin Luther King, Malcolm X,
The Black Panthers, the Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen
None who were showed any love
Yeah it’s an uphill battle,
But obviously greatness can be done.
We can rise above this stigma
That blacks are lazy and daunting
That our worth is null and void
And in essence minus nothing
And of all the names mentioned
And the greatness of their successes
No one has been able to erase the evil transgressions of a racist mind
And once you have experienced just a taste of it
It changes your perception of time
The oppression beats like the drum on the chariot
Of when it was finally time to escape to freedom
It's mine

Jesus’ death paid it all!
What have you given in return?
His death on the cross…
Was from his love and concern!
His life for yours… On Calvary…
Has been paid.
His offer of eternal life,
has been made!
Through God’s word,
he’s been talking!
And stands at your hearts door…
patiently knocking!
Won’t you invite him in? As your guest?
Then, your life will be totally blessed!
He can bring health and
healing to your bones!
He can bring his love to
your family and home!
“Come unto me.” Is the
the master’s call.
Won’t you come to him now?
One and all?
He’s here right now!
In this very place…
And extends to you his
mercy and grace.
Won’t you accept him today?
He loves you more than words can say!
By Jim Pemberton

We all have a story to tell.
Ups and downs,
Together, we've been through it all;
God has led us through it all.
Trust Him;
It's all for a reason.
All your pains,
All your struggles,
All your hurts-
They're all for a reason.
God has a bigger plan,
One we cannot see.
Trust Him and pray.
Remember,
We are all in this together.
Together, we have been through it all.
Ups and downs,
We are family-
Brothers and sisters in Christ.
We are friends.
Most importantly,
We are family.
Let's love one another like God loves us.
Let's help each other out
And help each other up with loving hands.
We are His children.
We are His servants
Together on His mission
To love, save, and change the world
For the better.
We are all in this together.
Listen to His praises ring;
Let's praise Him together.
Listen to sister Fantasia sing,
"Sometimes you gotta lose to win again."
Thank You Father!
Amen!

I'm worried where the next dollar will come from.
Will she ever arrive?
Will she ever show up?
But why am I worrying?
Stop it!
It's all in God's Great Hands!
It's all under God's control!
It's all within His plans!
It's all His
And He will provide
Because He is our Father!
He loves us!
It's all His!
Trust Him!
I know it's difficult;
He will not lead you wrong.
He knows where you need to go.
He knows what you need to endure.
It's all His plan.
It's all in His Hands!
Lay down your life;
Give the control.
He is in control!
Thank You Father!
Trust Him!
It will all be okay!
Trust Him!
Thank You God!
Thank You Jesus!
Thank You Holy Spirit!
I love You always!
I trust You always!
I trust You!
I trust You!
Yes, yes I do!
I trust You!
I love You!
Amen!

Leave me the hell alone she cries
Inside her aching head
I've had much more than I can take
Sometimes I feel I'm dead
Oh shepherd don't your flock forsake
Alone on Calvarys Hill
How much can a body take
When your mind has had its fill
A light so bright and hopeful
A picture perfect birth
A world of wonder, laid before
This seedling of the earth
To nurture's but a wistful dream
A momentary lapse
A father wrapped up in himself
A mom lost in her past
Can harm I do while wishing
The Angels gentle hands
Embrace this failing empty shell
This web of empty strands
A love of love itself it seems
Of passion and desire
Turns Sailors into monsters
And Mothers into liars
What makes a wonder wonderful
What makes a blessing blessed
'Tis you alone we come to know
When not so self- obsessed
Lord, help us not to lose your light
And wallow in the dirt
And help instead to nurture
All we're given at our birth
A wish alone can guide us
If truth is what we seek
Protect the weak and hungry
The burdened and the meek
Lord, make me strong enough to show
The children in my care
Their path is guided by your light
Their Souls are in your care

Still sacrificing needs for us on altars that surround your heart.
Unwavering your love and patience raising the two gifts from him.
Suspended hope in burden when life’s hooks come to tear you apart.
A saving faith beyond the sunset of your life as it fades dim.
Now left a man, to know the best in me, my mother did impart.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contest: Acrostic on Mother’s Day
Sponsor: Tammy Reams
Form: Acrostic: Iambic Octameter
03.21.15
Grateful to God and my mother. A blessing I didn’t and will never deserve. A love upon me that I can’t fully comprehend.

I Know of Someone Holding Unforgiveness!
I know of someone holding unforgiveness!
This has led to a life of much bitterness!
Toward his brother, he’s held on to a grudge.
From his viewpoint, he won’t even “budge.”
No matter what God’s word has clearly spoken…
He’s walked with a heart
that’s been broken!
His son prayed that God would speak to him!
That he would forgive, so God could heal him!
Forgiveness is a powerful thing to do!
If you want God’s mercy to
flow through you!
We’re not called to “hold back,”
the love God’s given!
Through Christ shed blood…
We’re all forgiven!
May the love of Christ come and touch us!
It’s no secret how much God
really loves us!
Please come Lord Jesus! And touch our soul!
May we express your love, wherever we go!
May God’s gentle love, be what always binds us!
HIS words; “love one another,”
do remind us!
By Jim Pemberton

Stand up and shake;
Feel the rhythm in your heart.
Ignite those pants;
We get up and dance.
God on our mind,
Eternity in our souls;
Feel the chills of those bones.
It's the hope.
Open those closed doors:
Into Heaven we go,
Welcomed and forgiven.
Here is the love;
Let's dance!